Dog Mess Infection Could Cost Girl Her Eye

Dog Mess Infection Could Cost Girl Her Eye
Share Share Comments (2)10:38am UK, Thursday August 19, 2010

Lulu Sinclair, Sky News Online

A little girl could lose her eye because of an infection contracted from dog mess left in a playground.


Amiee Langdon with her mother, Suzanne. (Photo: MEN Syndication)


Toddler Amiee Langdon, who will be two years old next week, put her hand in faeces when she fell over in a park.

Before her mother Suzanne could react, the little girl wiped her left eye with the same hand.

Ms Langdon, a 29-year-old nurse from Fallowfield, Manchester, rushed to clean the eye and rinsed it with warm water once they returned home.


Amiee's condition is the consequence of some thoughtless dog owner.

Suzanne Langdon
But it was too late to stop Amiee contracting an infection called toxocariasis, which is caused by parasitic worms in dog mess.

The toddler's eye subsequently swelled up, becoming purple and inflamed.

Amiee was admitted to hospital where she was immediately put on antibiotics.

But, if they do not work, she will need surgery to remove the eye so the infection does not spread to her brain, which - in extreme cases - could lead to death.


I hope this makes irresponsible dog owners understand the very real consequences of failing to pick up after their dogs.

Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council
Amiee was playing in a gated children's area of Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, when she fell over.

Ms Langdon said: "Amiee's condition is the consequence of some thoughtless dog owner.

"It's awful. There is a sign saying 'No dogs' near the entrance to the play area, but it seems people are ignoring it. Councils must get tough."

Paul Andrews, of neighbourhood services at Manchester City Council, said: "I hope this extremely upsetting incident makes irresponsible dog owners understand the very real consequences of failing to pick up after their dogs.

"We are thinking about this little girl and her family and we hope she makes a speedy recovery."

Our best wishes go to this little girl, may her sight be saved.

Councils should enforce the present legislation, especially with regards to dog fouling. There are sufficient laws in place but apparently not severely enough enforced to prevent irresponsible owners from ignoring their responsibilities.

Banning repetitive offenders from keeping animals would be good, if an owner is unable to meet all requirements of his/her animal's needs perhaps he/she doesn't deserve the companionship of a canine friend.